70 University of Alabama Student-Athletes Slated for Spring Graduation Including Eight All-American

A total of 70 Crimson Tide student-athletes are slated to earn their degrees as part of The University of Alabama’s spring commencement ceremonies this Friday and Saturday. The Tide’s spring total includes eight All-Americans, four Academic All-Americans, 13 who were part of national championship teams during their UA careers and seven who are receiving their master’s degrees.

Crimson Tide football legend Tony Nathan, a member of Alabama’s 1978 national championship team, is among the 10 players who are set to graduate this weekend. New Orleans Saints defensive back Vinnie Sunseri along with Chris Black, Bradley Sylve and Jabriel Washington are also among the Tide’s football graduates this semester.

Among the most decorated student-athletes in Alabama’s storied history, Kim Jacob, the 2014 Honda Cup (collegiate female athlete of the year) and Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year (top student among all Division I student-athletes regardless of sport or gender) winner, graduates this semester. The 2014 NCAA all-around champion, NCAA Top X honoree and member of the 2011 and 2012 NCAA championship teams, served as a student coach this season after her stand-out competitive career. All-America Lora Leigh Frost is also set to graduate this weekend.

All-America and NCAA 100 breaststroke runner-up Kaylin Burchell leads the way for the 13 swimmers and divers set for graduation. Academic All-Americas Laura Lee Smith (soccer) and Molly Fichtner (softball) are also among those earning degrees this semester.

After this weekend, when combined with the Tide’s winter graduates, more than 90 Alabama student-athletes will have earned their degrees this academic year, with summer graduation yet to come.